Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a tasty treat with a sweet maple flavor and crunchy pecans. They’re easy to cut and share, making them perfect for any gathering!
I love how the buttery crust pairs perfectly with the gooey filling. They’re like little bites of happiness! Just warning you, you might not want to share! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with agave nectar, but it will change the taste slightly. Try to use real maple syrup if you can; it truly makes a difference!
Pecans: These are essential for texture and flavor. If you’re not a fan or have allergies, walnuts can be a good alternative. Just chop them coarsely. I personally prefer pecans for that classic southern flavor!
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps control over the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or coconut oil, but be mindful that it may affect the taste and texture. I’ve had success with coconut oil!
Heavy Cream: For extra creaminess, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream if you’re lactose-free.
How Do I Ensure My Crust Stays Perfectly Firm?
The crust provides a sturdy base, so it’s important to get it right! Here are the key steps:
- Make sure your butter is cold; this helps create a flaky texture.
- When mixing, don’t overwork it. Just combine until you see crumbs.
- Press firmly into the pan to create an even surface. Use the back of a glass for strength.
- Pre-bake until golden but not burnt. This firm layer will hold up the gooey filling!
Following these tips will help you achieve that crispy, buttery shortbread crust that complements the sweet, sticky filling perfectly!
Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup pecan halves (plus extra for topping)
Optional Topping:
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time, followed by 35-40 minutes of baking. Additionally, you’ll need to chill the bars for at least 2 hours to fully set. So, in total, you’re looking at around 3 hours, including cooling and chilling. But don’t worry, the wait is so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides. This will make it super easy to lift the bars out later!
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or just your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t overdo it—little chunks of butter are great for a flaky crust!
Now, press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or a glass to smooth it out nicely.
3. Bake the Crust:
Pop your crust into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until it’s just lightly golden. Then, take it out of the oven and let it cool a little while you make the filling.
4. Prepare the Filling:
In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, flour, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and combined. This filling is what makes the bars so delicious!
Once well mixed, gently stir in the pecan halves, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
5. Combine and Bake:
Pour the filling over your pre-baked crust. Carefully spread it out so the pecans are nicely distributed. Bake the whole thing for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. Keep an eye on it!
6. Cool Down:
After baking, take the bars out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for them to hold together when you cut them!
7. Chill and Serve:
Once cooled, pop the bars in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set fully. When you’re ready, use the parchment paper edges to lift the whole thing out of the pan and cut it into squares.
8. Optional Finishing Touch:
If you’d like, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the sweetness and nutty flavors.
9. Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy your delightful maple pecan pie bars, whether chilled or at room temperature! They’re perfect for sharing—or not!
These bars boast a buttery shortbread crust with a gooey, sticky maple pecan filling, and the sea salt adds a fantastic touch to every bite. Happy baking!
Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Pecans?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pecans on hand or prefer a different flavor, walnuts or even almonds can work well in this recipe. Just chop them roughly and use the same quantity for a delicious variation!
How Should I Store Leftover Maple Pecan Pie Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Reduce the Sugar in the Filling?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that the sugar helps achieve that nice gooey texture. Try reducing it by up to 1/4 cup for a less sweet option; just be aware the filling may not set as firmly.
What Can I Serve with Maple Pecan Pie Bars?
These bars are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of extra maple syrup on top can also add an extra sweet touch!
